A review on optimization of composite structures Part II: Functionally graded materials

Functionally Graded (FG) structures are a novel design through which the material properties vary smoothly and this feature leads these structures to have better mechanical or thermal performances. They are mostly constituted from two or more materials with gradually varying volume fraction distribution. Most of the publications on the optimization of laminated composite structures were investigated in the first part of the authors' review paper (Nikbakht et al. 2018) [1]. In this research which acts as the second part, the majority of publications on optimization of FG structures are reviewed. In addition to FG beams, plates and shells, various structures such as tubes, implants, rotating disks, sport instruments, etc. are investigated. Furthermore, the key outputs of each publication are represented to make this article an asset source for mechanical engineers since there has not been any comprehensive review article on optimal designs of FG structures in the literature.